Disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection – often called C&D – is a process that removes and kills germs on equipment and surfaces. C&D, when done correctly, is a cost-effective way to protect animal and human health.

The resources on this page will help you:

  • Understand C&D principles for animal settings
  • Review different classes of disinfectants and their uses
  • Develop an effective C&D program

Cleaning & Disinfection

Free web-based courses on C&D

A basic and an advanced course are approved for CE credit: Cleaning and Disinfection in Animal Settings

Disinfection 101 – New update!

An overview of C&D basics, including disinfection methods, factors affecting the process, and safety considerations.

Download new version of Disinfection 101 (PDF)

Characteristics of Selected Disinfectants

A table summarizing various chemical classes of disinfectants – microorganism impact, mechanism of action, and factors affecting effectiveness.

Download English PDF

Antimicrobial Spectrum of Disinfectants

A table summarizing microorganism susceptibility to select disinfectant classes.

Download English PDF

Learn the key principles and basic actions for an effective C&D program.

Animal Virus Family Tables

Tables for reviewing animal virus families by type (enveloped or non-enveloped) and by size.

Learn how to C&D certain items on the farm.

Learn how and why C&D on the farm can prevent diseases.

These forms, signs, and checklists can help you set up or train personnel on C&D procedures.

Learn about C&D measures needed during animal health emergencies.

Setting Up a Temporary C&D Station on a Livestock Premises

Vehicle C&D on livestock operations is critical for on-farm biosecurity during a foreign animal disease outbreak.  

Funded by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)

Produced by the Center for Food Security and Public Health and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach